EPR investigations of model neuromelanins

The aim of this work was to compare free radical properties of some model neuromelanins obtained from dopamine and its mixture with 5-S-cysteinyldopamine in various molar ratios. The EPR method was used in these investigations; the samples were detected at X and K bands. The parameters of EPR spectra, free radicals concentrations in air and in vacuum, the influence of microwave power and temperature on intensity of resonance signals were measured

Contemporary analytical techniques reveal the secret composition of a 19th century Jerusalem Balsam

In 1719, Antonio Menzani di Cuna from the Saint Savior monastery published an alcoholic extract formula made from plant and herb resins under the name Jerusalem Balsam. The Balsam gained high popularity due to its remedial benefits. At the end of the 19 th century, Jerusalem Balsam produced by the hermit Johannes Treutler was found to be particularly popular. We analysed a sample of a valuable find coming from the last decade of the 19 th century, making it probably the oldest surviving Jerusalem Balsam in the world. The purpose of this work was to investigate the composition of the historical sample and to try to determine the origin of its components. This was achieved by comparing the profile of volatile compounds extracted from the balsam using HS-SPME technique with the profile characteristic for plant resins as classic ingredients of the Johannes Treutler formula. The use of two chromatographic columns of different polarity, as well as the transformation of the polar components of the sample into TMS derivatives, allowed to obtain new information on the historical composition of the Balsam. Also, it can be stated with high probability that plant resins were indeed used in the production of the Balsam as referred to in the original recipe of Johannes Treutler. We also discuss challenges in determining the original composition of the Balsam